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September 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM

KCSO Partners with Network180 to Enhance Emergency Response for Behavioral Health Crisis

KENT COUNTY, Mich: The Kent County Sheriff's Office is proud to announce an expanded partnership with Network180 to enhance emergency response services within the community. A Network180 clinician will be embedded in KCSO’s Emergency Communications Center to provide immediate support for those experiencing behavioral health crises and connect them with ongoing services.

This program is a significant step toward addressing the growing need for mental health services in emergencies. "We are committed to providing the best possible care and response for all residents of Kent County," said Sheriff Michelle Young. "Partnering with Network180 to include an embedded clinician in our Emergency Communications Center is a crucial step in enhancing our ability to respond to mental and behavioral health crises."

The clinician will work alongside 911 emergency dispatchers to assess and respond to calls involving mental health crises. “This partnership is an important piece in Network180’s efforts to meet people where they are with the help they need, when they need it,” says Bill Ward, Network180’s Executive Director, “Thanks to the hard work and creativity from members of both KCSO and Network180, we will be able to extend clinical assistance to deputies in the field  to meet the behavioral health needs of residents throughout Kent County.”

The program will help to ensure that individuals receive appropriate care and support by improving assessment and triage and more quickly connecting those in crisis with appropriate mental health resources. Additionally, this initiative will help to reduce responses by law enforcement and emergency medical resources, keeping them available to respond to other emergencies.

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